Blog Post

I subscribe to a periodical titled The Week. 50 times a year (double issues twice a year) it summarizes recent political, social, and cultural events, both national and international, as well as offering editorials from a wide spectrum of perspectives. It informs me; it challenges me; and it expands my horizons. It also depresses me. As I peruse its pages, I cannot escape the sinfulness of our world. That is, apparently, how its editor-in-chief William Falk also feels. In his most recent letter from the editor (Volume 17, Issue 853-854, page 3), he comments, “My livelihood has immersed me in the rich, colorful evidence of our species’ foolishness, selfishness, and cruelty…. [A]fter one of the strangest, most tumultuous, and most disconcerting years in our history, I must confess to moments of doubt and fear.” I know how he feels.

Mr. Falk is commenting on political situations in our own nation and abroad. But we could easily apply his thoughts to the religious situation in our country. This past year has offered abundant proof that claiming the name of Jesus Christ doesn’t prevent us from being foolish, selfish, or cruel. We have seen hurricanes blamed on God’s wrath over this belief or that. We have seen the worst kind of prejudice excused because it is claimed to be “biblical.” We have seen religious leaders fawning over politicians for personal gain. We have seen televangelists living in mansions while, not far away, others live in shacks. More than once, I have asked myself, “What Jesus are they worshipping, anyway? It’s not the one that I know.” I echo Mr. Falk’s confession to “moments of doubt and fear” as I wonder where the church of Jesus Christ is headed. Sometimes I think it’s going right down the… Well, you can guess.

But Mr. Falk doesn’t leave it at that; and neither will I. “Like many Americans,” he goes on to say, “I am… bred to believe that tomorrow will be better than today, [and] that goodness wins out over evil in the end.” I hope that he will forgive me if I edit the editor: “I am bred to believe that, regardless of what tomorrow will bring, God wins out in the end.” I have no idea what 2018 will be like. I know what I hope it will bring. I hope that the voice of our progressive church will be heard above the voices of those who want to return us to a modern version of the Dark Ages. I hope that our nation realizes that science and faith are partners, not enemies. And I hope that the worship of Jesus Christ can finally be separated from the worship of flag and tradition. But regardless of what happens in 2018, I believe that, regardless of what tomorrow will bring, God wins out in the end. Whatever happens in 2018, God will be there with us and for us. Have a Happy New Year!

Boundary training will be offered for SONKA ministers at Harmony Creek Church, 5280 Bigger Rd, Kettering, Ohio, on Saturday, October 19th. You choose which of the two sessions to attend, each focusing on three case studies around boundary issues. The first session will be held from 9 a.m to Noon. The second will be from 1-4 p.m. To register for the MORNING session online, please click here. To register for the AFTERNOON sesssion online, click here. To see the flyer click here.